Bricklaying for amateurs

This one-day course will help you to build walls, curved walls, plinths, brick edgings, brick paving, and shed bases.

Mac will explain about brick bonds and when to use them, pointing and re-pointing, arches, mortars, which bricks to use and why.

This is a mainly practical course. We will be using lime mortar and you will certainly get dirty!

In the morning, you will practice constructing small walls on tables indoors. Using boards with brick slips, you can have a go at pointing up brickwork. After lunch, you will be working outside on a paving project, unless the weather is really too bad.

Comments from past students:

An excellent introduction to a subject I feared. Bob M

Excellent leader, know the subject backwards! Lots of information – all very useful – be useful to have some information sheets – too much to memorise! Excellent location, even in the snow.

Seemed to be a mis communication on bringing own tools, but plenty were provided. Mac v knowledgeable on everything – interesting and informative style.

Shame weather was inclement and couldn’t go outside, but it has given me lots of confidence to go and make lots of paths, walls etc. in the garden. Didn’t even know I could use lime mortar – thought it was just for putting on walls of old houses.

Excellent, what a character. Learnt loads and had a great day. Thank you.

Mac was excellent. However, I would have liked to cover less subject matter in order to better practice learning. Very enjoyable course and lovely food.

Mac should have his own show! Clare B.

Excellent as usual and food delicious!

Very interesting. Mac is a knowledgeable man who can get his learning across in a direct and funny way. Worthwhile course! Julie B.

I loved the course. Mac and Robin knew so much about the subject which was great. However, I would have liked there to have been more building walls and learning that technique outside, rather than laying bricks to make paths, as that was the reason I came on the course. But a thoroughly enjoyable day with great homemade food and hosts - Anne and Bob. I would recommend the course. Colette F.

Materials

Materials

Materials are included in the fee.

Also included is Jane Schofield's excellent book, "Lime in Building".

What to Bring

What to Bring

(Google Axminster Tools for a full range)

If you don’t want to buy these items, we can probably lend you some of them.

Work gloves

Strong shoes or boots

Overalls

6" gauging trowel

Spirit level

Mortar hawk - small

Soft hand brush

Kneeling cushions or knee pads

Protective eye-wear, such as goggles or special glasses (we shall be using lime)